On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Community Foundation, I would like to express my thanks to the people of Valley County who made our recent visit such a memorable and inspiring event. We held our quarterly meeting in Ord on June 8 at the Ord Learning Center and enjoyed lunch and a reception at the Blank Slate Theatre.

Our thanks go out to Director Lu Lansman of the Central Community College-Ord Learning Center for providing our meeting space.

Thanks also to the owners of the Blank Slate Theatre, Brian and Kelly Magiera, and general manager Chad Williams for allowing us to have a private lunch and reception in their wonderfully refurbished facility, and for telling their story of how this magnificent project was completed.

Chef Jerry Hicks and his staff prepared and served a delicious lunch followed by a high-energy and motivational presentation by Valley County Economic Development Director Caleb Pollard.

The Nebraska Community Foundation provides training, development and financial management services to 220 affiliated funds across the state. Nearly 10 years ago, Valley County became the Nebraska Community Foundation’s pilot community for our HomeTown Competitiveness (HTC) approach to community development. Caleb explained how HTC’s focus on entrepreneurship, leadership, youth engagement and philanthropy is embedded in your community’s strategy for growth. In his words, “We’re not asking people just to come back; we’re asking them to come to!”

Charitable giving in Valley County has played a major role in making your community the kind of place people want to live in, work and raise their families. Endowed charitable assets to benefit Valley County now exceed $3 million and a number of planned gifts will likely add another $3.2 million in the future. Earnings from these endowed charitable funds yield thousands of dollars each year to support health care, community enhancements and youth programs.

Our delightful visit to Valley County was made possible in large part with the support of our dear friend, Bob Stowell, who is an honorary NCF Board member and long-time member of the Valley County Community Foundation Fund. Bob has been a crusader for Valley County and all of rural Nebraska for many years. Thanks to Bob and Jean Stowell and Dahn Hagge for hosting our reception, sharing their stories of hard work and success, and for inspiring us all.